Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring during the Gunners' 2-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, 20 OctoberGetty

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has thanked the 'helping hand from destiny' that allowed him to score the Gunners' opening goal in their 2-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday night (20 October). The French striker was on the pitch for just three minutes when he found himself under Santi Cazorla's cross, which he bundled in from close range, with the final touch possibly coming off his right arm.

The former Montpellier star has not had it easy. After starting the first few games of the campaign, he has seen Theo Walcott take his place as the north London club's first choice striker. The England international has started the last four games in all competitions for Arsenal, but Giroud has staked a claim to regain his place in the starting XI with three goals in his last four games after coming off the bench.

The 29-year-old has also had a difficult time with his national team, as he was booed by fans during a friendly against Serbia in September. The French forward, however, has silenced his critics with a brace against Denmark, and will now be keen to regain his place in the Arsenal starting XI.

Giroud is confident that he can find his goal-scoring touch, and believes that all strikers go through barren spells, which with a bit of luck can be overcome, like it happened on Tuesday night against Bayern at the Emirates Stadium.

"I've had a bit more luck than in recent weeks, so I'm making the most of it. For a striker, it always works in cycles and I know that. You can't start doubting yourself. All the qualities are there – I just needed a helping hand from destiny, and tonight it worked out in my favour. It's certainly not my most beautiful goal but it's one of the most important," Giroud is quoted as saying by the Guardian.